Jordi Nelson is a current Year 12 student at MGSC who plays futsal for Bayside Futsal Pirates and has represented Victoria in futsal for the last three years. Jordi took the time to tell us a little bit about her growing futsal career.

Hi Jordi, tell us a little bit about futsal and how you got involved in it.Futsal (futbol + sala = football indoors in Spanish) is the fastest growing sport in the world. It is played heavily in Europe, Asia and South America with huge programs established in countries such as Brazil, Spain, Russia and Iran.I started playing futsal at 13 years old after playing soccer for a few years. When I first experienced futsal I thought it was a much more inclusive environment with many more opportunities for me to progress to State and National competitions instead of soccer. It is more family centred community as well because you know everyone at the club. I currently play with my older sister, Ashleigh, which is interesting. There is a little bit of rivalry on the courts which is good fun.Which club do you currently play at?I currently play at Bayside Futsal Pirates which trains out of MGSC school gymnasium which is very convenient. They have excellent coaches and have given me the opportunity to extend my futsal to State and National competitions.What is the highest level of competition you have played in?For the last three years I have played in the National Futsal Championships for the youth women’s futsal team. It is the second highest level of competition you can compete in as a 17 year old. The Australian Futsal F-League is the senior competition which has been growing since it was established in 2011. There are currently 8 teams in the F-League with Bayside Pirates and Vic Vipers as the two Victorian teams, Bayside asked me to try out for them this year but I had to decline due to Year 12 and various injuries.What kind of player are you on the court?I am a not really a shooting type of player, I more structure the team in offense and defense and coordinate the moves. I understand the logistics of the game and am able to help set the team up by moving the players or ball into a scoring position. I’m not the brawniest, nor the fastest, but I understand where to put myself and others to be effective.What is your proudest achievement to date?I think scoring against SA last year in the National competition. It was two minutes before the final siren and the goal enabled us to get through to the semi-finals. Unfortunately we lost the semi-final in extra time 2-1 but it was still a fantastic moment in my career.Moving forward, what are you goals for 2016 and beyond?I want to keep enjoying futsal and playing as much as I can. I can see myself playing futsal for many more years to come. In 2017, I would like to get a position on the Bayside Pirates F-League women’s team to play in the national competition, it would be a great experience playing against the best in Australia.

Time for your favourites... Athlete? Aaron Mooy and Novak DjokovicFood?Maltesers for sure. I am a malteser junkie.Song and band?21 Pilots – Stressed OutQuote? “If it doesn't challenge you, it doesn't change you”Class/teacher? English Language with Ms Jones. Interesting class and how we use language in our daily livesMoment at MGSC? Making it to the Regional Cross Country carnival and coming 20th when I was in Year 9

Would you rathers?Be able to fly or be invisible?Be invisible – you can mess with people so easilyHave hiccups for the rest of your life or have the feeling of sneezing but not being able to? SneezingLive a life that lasts 1000 years or 10 lives that last 100 year each? 10 lives that last 100 years each.Have a dragon or be a dragon? Have a dragonBe super fast or super strong?Super strong because I am weak as it isNever be able to speak again or always say everything that is on your mind? Stay silentGet up early or stay up late? Stay up late

Thanks for taking the time to do the interview during your busy Year 12 schedule Jordi. Good luck for your exams and beyond.